Max Speed on Go Kart

[mms140]

Hi everyone, I am new to go karting and have been planning my go kart build for some time now. I want to know how I can get max speed out of my go kart, and I am willing to sacrifice acceleration. I have decided I am thinking about using the Duromax (or maybe durostar) 7hp engine, is this a good engine to use? I am hoping someone can tell me what is the optimal gear ratio, wheel diameter (front and rear), and material/ wall thickness I should use. I am 150 pounds incase that helps.
Thank you

 

[pgreen491]

you can gear it for 200 if you have a week to get there, 6:1 is an all around good gear ratio , I know you want some killer top speed but 40 mph feels like your flying on a kart , I dont know what your fabrication skills are but its all up to you on tire sizes and all that. you have to remember you can gear it to do whatever speed you want but sacrificing acceleration also may mean tearing up your clutch I would build a simple go kart since it your first? gear it for all around and you can always play with the axle sprockets to make it faster.

 

[r_chez_08]

What terrain? Offroad, a torque converter will allow the kart to be geared for a higher speed.
Maybe remove your governor if you are not satisfied with the top speed.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

have been planning my go kart build for some time now.

Tells us what you're planning thus far, and we'll steer you in the right direction.

 

[OzFab]

you can gear it for 200 if you have a week to get there

No you can't coz you'd destroy your clutch in the process

Everything else was spot on though

 

[mms140]

I am looking to have a kart that will be mainly on the road but may go on the grass (flat) occasionally. Also, what do you guys think about the engine I chose.
Thank you all for all of the help I really appreciate it.

 

[OzFab]

So, something like a basic shifter kart or a vintage race kart?

 

[mms140]

The kart will be a vintage race kart.

 

[landuse]

The engine you are planning to use is fine. I would also not gear any higher than 6:1 if you are using a centrifugal clutch (don't go tall on the tyres either, otherwise you will have to gear lower). If you get a TC, you will have more options.

Believe me, speed in a kart feels like twice what it actually is.